Information from the Sisters we work with in Gros Morne

The Religious of Jesus and Mary - U.S. Province
RJM

Get Involved: Haiti Disaster Relief Donations Needed
UPDATE JAN. 20, 2010 We just heard on the news about the strong aftershock (6.1 magnitude) to hit outside of Port-au-Prince. We have heard, as of 1:30 p.m., that Sr. Jackie, Sr. Isa and Brittany are fine in Port au Prince. As we live in the mystery of this heart-wrenching tragedy, please know that the RJM community continues to be grateful for the tremendous outpouring of donations to the RJM earthquake relief fund ? P A P E R ( Port-au-Prince Earthquake Relief).

Hait MapJAN. 20, 2010 - As you know from the news, the needs of the Haitian people were overwhelming prior to the earthquake and continue to be so today. The scope and depth of this tragedy continue to call for both immediate and sustained, long-term intervention. Our commitment to serve in Haiti remains strong. We intend to be there for the long haul.

The Religious of Jesus and Mary, a Roman Catholic Congregation of Sisters, have ministered in Haiti since 1997. We know that our six sisters, two candidates, and one volunteer are alive, and we count that as a blessing. Our present situation is the following: Sister Vivian is receiving medical help in Rhode Island. Sisters Jackie and Isa and our volunteer, Brittany, are in Port-au-Prince helping with relief efforts in and around Sacre Coeur Hospital. Sister Pat is coordinating communication from Gros Morne ? a place that now has 3000 refugees.
Haiti Disaster
Photo by Sean Barth

Efforts are underway in GM to get food, medical help and sleeping mats. Sisters Nazareth and Rose have provided a bus to bring Jean Rabel people from PAP; they are also involved in meetings to access the needs and to see how best to respond. Gardyne, our candidate, sadly lost her brother in the earthquake and is with her family. Middia, our pre-candidate, is still in need of orthopedic care and several people are working to find her the needed assistance. Our convent in Port-au-Prince has been severely damaged by the earthquake.

We are committed to sharing ourselves and our goods with our Haitian brothers and sisters for as long as we are able. To this end, we invite and welcome your prayers and financial support. No donation is too small!

The RJMs have set up an earth quake relief fund ? P A P E R ? i.e. Port-au-Prince Earthquake Relief. Donations can be sent directly to that fund:

c/o Sr. Janet Stolba, RJM
Religious of Jesus and Mary
125 Michigan Ave. N. E. 4th floor
Washington, DC 20017


Or you can donate online through our website:
Donate to Haiti Disaster Relief

Select "RJM Haiti Fund" in the Program Designation drop-down menu, and your donation will go for immediate disaster relief.
Correspondence regarding RJM Earthquake Relief may be sent to Sr. Janet Stolba at:
rjmearthquakerelief@yahoo.com.
Notre Dame in Haiti: Before and After
Photo by Sean Barth
Haiti Presidential PalaceL before and After
Photo by Sean Barth

You can also donate through other relief organizations such as Catholic Relief Services.

For those interested in volunteering, please phone
Theresa Patterson at (615) 673-3501, as she organizes volunteer groups. Or Google search PTPA (Parish Twinning of America).

Plans are underway to have a special Mass for the victims of the earthquake.

Go to the The Religious of Jesus and Mary U.S. Province website.
RJM
The Religious of Jesus and Mary - U.S. Province